Long run by the Shoemaker QB= TD
Ensuing kickoff fumbled, returned for TD. 6 seconds had elapsed.
3rd TD ... I can't remember details.
<Analysis Mode=ON>
Our guys need to play 4 complete quarters of football from here on out. Putting ourselves in an early hole is not necessary! :) We have some definite defensive holes and I really have a hard time figuring out exactly where the true problem lies.
The middle linebacker is a good athlete, but he's fairly short, actually really short. I think perhaps he can't see over the linemen and has no real clue where the ball is a lot of the time. He'd probably be better served to play an outside position. He came out of the game late in the 4th Q against Waco and the bigger, although slower, guy that came in and replaced him managed to help plug up the middle. That replacement is a Jr, but I don't know his name. I'd start him next game and move the other guy to the outside.
Our D-tackles (Brant Scott and Apollis Daily) are good athletes as well, sometimes prone to bull rushing instead of gap control. But they are extremely quick and difficult to block. They can be an offensive linemens worst nightmare. When you bull rush a lot and the other team plays that strength against you, you end up giving up a lot of inside runs, especially traps and counters. No gap control can be fatal.
D-ends are quick, especially CJ Parrish. He's got legit 4.6 speed. I think he could play just about any position on the field. you often hear of d-ends that were moved to linebacker, but this kid was moved from linebacker to d-end! But, he's having to learn that new part of the game.
Not trying to pick on the line nor the linebackers really. The D-backs got toasted pretty often in the first two games. They have done a much better job as of late. I still dont' think they have their best defensive players starting in all positions, but in most they do.
Offensive line is playing pretty well, one of the strengths of the team. The offensive play calling is much more balanced this year. The problem with a more balanced attack is the dropped or tipped pass. Several good drives ended early last night because of drops or tips. The running game did well, even without the number one tailback (gone for one more game due to grades). The balanced part is good, QB has to do his part as well though. Some passes not thrown where they should be.
The bottom line though is that the team has a tremendous amount of confidence after the last two weeks. They truly believe that they can win any game. Everyone else (fans) is feeling it as well. The last two weeks have given us a few heart attacks, but the gain in confidence should be worth it in the long run.
The other thing is that as the new offense evolves, the entire team is getting better. I can't put my finger on it, but there is a certain quality to this team... winners. Like I've said before, this class of Juniors has never lost a district game, going back to their 7th grade year. A tie or two, but no loses. They just know how to win. That's a quality that can't be taught, can't be bought.
<Analysis Mode=OFF>
Good game... If I were you I would tell your Juniors to prepare for a loss on October 28. 2005 going for 14 DISTRICT wins in a row, should be a good game!!! ;)